Have you had an allergic reaction to braids? Here’s what you need to know

Braids are one of the wanted protective hairstyles. Whether you have a cute box braided bob or an extended and wavy boho style, the sensation of leaving your chair with fresh tresses and knowing that you might be taking an prolonged break from styling your personal hair is unmatched. Years of braiding have taught a lot of us to be patient with the tenderness that usually appears after a visit. But when the discomfort becomes more severe, a much bigger problem may arise, reminiscent of an allergic reaction. Recently, TikTok has exploded with videos showing first-hand what this looks like.

Across the country, individuals are sharing clips of their experiences with allergic reactions after braiding their hair. Swelling, hives and unbearable itching are a few of the most typical symptoms people face. While these issues is probably not recent, they’ve sparked necessary discussion concerning the composition of hair braiding products and the importance of scalp health when installing protective hairstyles.

Several videos have gone viral on TikTok claiming that the purity of synthetic hair is the predominant explanation for allergic reactions. But what exactly does this mean within the context of bundled hair and the way do the symptoms manifest themselves? Since the cold months are a preferred time for protective styling, we’re getting to the basis of this problem to higher understand how to cope with it and forestall it from progressing.

What does an allergic reaction to braids appear like?

We all know the pain of a brand new braid. Even for a brief time frame, it could possibly be troublesome to cope with. An allergic reaction takes discomfort to one other level. “Itching, redness, or an eczema-like rash on the scalp are common symptoms of an allergic reaction to braids,” she says Nana Boakyemedical doctor, board-certified dermatologist and founder Dermatology Bergen and eponymous skincare brand, Dr. Say Beauty. But this may occasionally be just the start. He explains that in additional severe cases, folliculitis, a condition called folliculitis, may develop, leading to tender bumps or breakouts on the scalp.

Experiencing these symptoms for the primary time will be confusing for most individuals. In many videos shared on TikTok, women admitted that they had experienced similar problems up to now, not realizing that they were developing an allergy. For Kadidja Dossofounder Dosso Beauty, leader in hypoallergenic hair braiding and extensions, this experience was an eye opener for me. “After braiding my hair, I noticed I had little bumps all over my forehead and my scalp was burning and burning, which I hadn’t felt before,” she says. “I knew it had to be an allergic reaction.”

What causes an allergic reaction to braids?

According to Boakye, allergic reactions will be triggered by several various factors, including the products used and the extension cords themselves. Gel and mousse are sometimes used when braiding, and although these may cause a reaction, the issue is usually the braiding of the hair. “I had no doubts and immediately knew that it should be hair, because that is where the reactions happen. The problem affected not only the scalp and hair roots, but additionally the neck and shoulders,” says Dosso. Many women on TikTok have an analogous story, with hives, rashes and inflammation on their foreheads, cheeks and ears where their hair is falling out.

Braids of any style often require hair extensions to add length and volume to the hairstyle, and most frequently synthetic extensions are used. Jodi LogerfoDNP, APRN, FNP-BC, board-certified in family medicine and dermatology, explains that synthetic hair extensions are typically made out of fibers reminiscent of kanekalon or toyokalon and will contain chemical additives or dyes. “Kanekalon is a common culprit in allergic reactions, and in some people the skin may react negatively to it, causing inflammation, irritation and other allergic symptoms,” he says.

Boakye echoes this, noting that “synthetic hair is usually product of materials reminiscent of acrylonitrile and vinyl chloride, which emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals are known irritants and are even classified as carcinogens, making them potential culprits of allergic reactions.

How to avoid an allergic reaction?

Getting rid of your hair braiding allergy is less complicated than you think. The first step is to use clean hair – and no, that does not imply it’s freshly washed. Kanekalon is inexpensive and versatile for tressing, and ridding it of poisons reduces the chance of unwanted effects. “Pre-washing synthetic hair with a clarifying cleanser or soaking it in apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help remove some chemical irritants,” says Boakye.

Washing with ACV can be certainly one of the highest recommendations on TikTok for people experiencing a reaction. IN one movie, with over 9 million views, the TikToker who cut off her braids after just five days shows how to soak her braids in apple cider vinegar. Other videos boast the advantages of rinsing the scalp with ACV to alleviate symptoms while the braids are still in place.

Purchasing pre-cleaned hair extensions, reminiscent of Dosso Beauty’s hypoallergenic braid hair extensions, is one other method people select to avoid the potential of an allergic reaction. As a dermatologically tested product, the extensions are suitable for temperamental and sensitive skin types.

In addition to hypoallergenic products, Logerfo notes that human hair extensions are less likely to contain irritating chemicals and can also reduce the chance of an allergic reaction.

Relieving symptoms

Scalp care is important when wearing braids. However, that is much more necessary when allergic reactions are involved. To protect your scalp, Boakye recommends applying soothing creams before installation and ensuring your braids aren’t tied too tightly, as excess tension can worsen irritation and lead to further damage. It can be really useful not to wear this style for long periods of time. If you have experienced an allergic reaction up to now, it is suggested that you keep your braids in for a maximum of 4 weeks to minimize long-term exposure to potential irritants and maintain a healthy scalp.